Zoom

Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder Review

Reviews
14
Score
86/100
From
$400
Released
January 2020

We've aggregated 14 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.

Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder
Available
Our take
Worth consideringPreliminary

Our editorial take on the Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder

The Zoom H8 is a portable field recorder designed for versatility, offering dedicated modes for podcasting, music production, and location recording. Its core functionality includes up to eight simultaneous input signals, expandable to ten with an optional capsule, catering to diverse recording needs. The device features a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen for navigation and supports various SD card formats up to 512GB.

Key capabilities include four XLR mic inputs with phantom power, two additional XLR/TRS combo inputs, and a swappable XY stereo microphone capsule. Beyond standalone recording, the H8 can function as a 12-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface, supporting resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Power options include four AA batteries, providing over 20 hours of operation, or an optional AC adapter.

This configuration positions the H8 as a flexible tool for creators requiring multiple inputs and adaptable recording environments, from studio-like setups to on-the-go field capture.

Best for: Content creators, musicians, and field recordists who need a highly adaptable portable recorder with multiple inputs and an intuitive interface.
What's great
  • Three-mode interface optimized for podcasting, music, or field recording
  • Up to 10 input channels with optional capsule, including 6 combo XLR inputs standard
  • Functions as a 12-in/2-out USB audio interface
  • Long battery life (over 20 hours) on AA batteries
  • Support for large capacity SDXC cards (up to 512GB)
Watch outs
  • AD-17 AC adapter sold separately
  • Maximum input channels of 10 require an additional purchase (EXH-8 capsule)

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

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Overview

About this product

The Zoom H8 is a portable handheld recorder that features three app-driven modes for podcasting, music production, or location recording. It can record up to eight simultaneous input signals and is compatible with an array of capsules for easy expansion into 10-input recording and Ambisonics 360-degree audio. The device also functions as a 12-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface.

Specs

Screen
2.4" color LCD touchscreen
Max Tracks
12
Battery Life
Over 20 hours (alkaline batteries)
Power Source
4x AA batteries or AD-17 AC adapter (available separately)
Xlr Mic Inputs
4 with pads and +48V
Audio Interface
12-in/2-out USB 2.0 (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz)
Sd Card Support
SD (up to 2GB), SDHC (up to 32GB), SDXC (up to 512GB)
Max Input Channels
10 (with EXH-8 capsule)
Recording Resolution
24-bit / 96 kHz
Xlr 1 4 Mic Line Hi Z Inputs
2
Swappable Xy Stereo Mic Capsule
Yes
Podcast Music Field Recording Modes
Yes
Live prices

Where to buy

Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.

  • Adorama
    new● In stockBest price
    $400
    Buy
  • Amazon
    new● In stockBest price
    $400
    Buy
  • B&H Photo
    new● In stock
    -
    Buy
In the wild

Creators who use this

Filmmakers and YouTubers we've spotted using the Zoom H8 8-Input / 12-Track Portable Handy Recorder in their kit.